Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI"), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD"), announced the arrest of BEN SPRECHER for possession and distribution of child pornography. SPRECHER was arrested today and presented before United States Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Child pornography targets the most innocent and vulnerable in our society. Today, Broadway producer, Ben Sprecher was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography in his Manhattan home. Sexualizing young children is unconscionable; and this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all of the expertise and resources available to shine a light on every dark corner where it is produced, shared, and possessed."
Special Agent-in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “It is alleged that Sprecher made available for downloading more than one hundred files of children who were demoralized as their innocence was taken away. HSI and our law enforcement partners at the NYPD remain committed in our global fight to protect children and keep them safe from those who choose to take advantage of a child with the intention of fulfilling their own horrid fantasies."
According to the allegations in the Complaint filed today[1]:
Between at least October 2018 and August 2019, SPRECHER, a Broadway producer, used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to receive and make available for download over 100 video or photograph files known to contain child pornography. The child pornography included depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults. On Aug. 13, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at SPRECHER’S apartment and recovered an external hard drive, which contained numerous files containing child pornography.
SPRECHER, 65, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mr. Berman praised the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their outstanding investigative work.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel P. Rothschild is in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
